MKlll ROADSTER EARLY CHROME BUMPER MODEL

1974 MG MGB B

You are looking at my Early 1974 MKIII MGB Chrome Bumper model in *good condition. The body was stripped down to bare metal before a 2-stage Base coat/clear coat factory original Teal paint was applied. The original wire wheels where professionally stripped and painted with high quality Emeron paint. The floor pans have been replaced along with new carpeting and floor mats. The shift lever boot, chrome ring and shift knob are new. The seats are original in good appearance, overall they look good and are very subtle to the touch and have comfortable pads. The Dash has been pulled, rewired, the gauges calibrated and a new dash cap installed. In fact all the of cars electrical wiring harnesses have been replaced with new OEM factory harnesses. This was all performed by a local MG shop expert with a degree in electrical engineering. While the dash was out I had a glass company replace the windshield which is in perfect condition. I replaced the door seals installed new chrome trim caps installed along with new stainless thresholds and all new chrome side body moldings. I replaced the wing window to windshield seals.

I recently replaced the battery and installed a new 8ft battery cable that is an OEM match and a new alternator. The original arm lever shocks have been replaced with Moss Spax Tube conversion kits. The front end is tight and all the bushings are in good shape. There is no play in the steering wheel. The engine has been recently tuned along with valve adjustment and runs strong, with good steady oil pressure and no unusual noises, knocks or pings, a very good factory motor. Also, the original factory 4spd transmission is in great shape also, shifting smoothly through all gears.

The gas tank and fuel pump are new and I have fitted a pair of professional rebuilt and polished SU carbs along with new K&N air filters. The heater has a new control valve and the thermostat has been replaced along with a hot weather sleeve. I have replaced all of the body exterior lighting with new rubber seals and plinths. The clutch and brake master cylinders are new. In fact the entire clutch system is new. A used Ansa exhaust was fitted along with a new oil cooler hose then the car was checked and any leaks fixed by the local MG shop expert. A new convertible top has been fitted and a new tonneau cover is included.

A total of over $13,000 in work has been recently applied not to mention the cost of the car to begin with including some items I am sure I have forgotten to mention bringing my investment to nearly $20,000.

All emissions have been removed by MG shop and the car has been tuned accordingly and the top speed is approx. 100mph. The car will run at turnpike speed 85mph all day long, no problem and can be driven on a long interstate trip, keeping in mind even a new car could have a problem on a long trip. Here are the things that most 42 year old cars have that no one wants to address but I will.

A rough idle. (fixed)

Dim lighting. (fixed)

Run-on. (fixed)

Leaks. (Fixed)

Engine knocks or pings or unusual sounds. (none)

Spongy brakes. (fixed)

Spongy clutch. (fixed)

Steering play. (fixed)

Gearbox noise. (none)

Loose wire wheel hubs and flaking paint. (fixed)

Smelly gas tank canister. (emission control) (fixed)

Bouncy tach and speedometer gauges. (fixed)

Low or unsteady oil pressure. (none)

Overheating at high speeds on hot days. (none)

Scratches or pits in windshield. (fixed)

Tears or holes in Soft Tops (fixed)

Old rubber door seals and lamp gaskets. (fixed)

The car is in what Haggerty Values describes as *Good Condition (plus more)

The car needs,

The engine bay could be painted, I was waiting till the motor was ready for an overhaul, maybe in 50,000 miles. The grill is dingy and the bumpers are antiqued. Also, the interior door panels are tired looking.

Overall, the car still looks great and people are always admiring it wherever I go. The paint is in good shape, if you place a plastic bottle on the bonnet, it will slide off.

Note: Please don't be fooled by a (late) 1974-1980 MG with shiny new bumpers, hiding the fact that they were a rubber bumper model that have been converted. When MG went to rubber bumpers in (late) 1974 they raised the rear end up for US safety standards causing those cars to loosetheirhandling capabilities and they suffer from lack of horse power from all the extraemissioncontrols. Not to mentiontheirextra weight, die stamped wheels and the lowerqualitysteel used in the frame and body panels to cut costs. Buyer beware!
Current Hagerty Values for 1974 Chrome Bumper MGB

#1 Concours$27,000

Condition #1 vehicles are the best in the world. The visual image is of the best vehicle, in the right colors, driving onto the lawn at the finest concours. Perfectly clean, the vehicle has been groomed down to the tire treads. Painted and chromed surfaces are mirror-like. Dust and dirt are banned, and materials used are correct and superbly fitted. The one word description for #1 vehicles is "concours."

#2 Excellent$16,800

#2 vehicles could win a local or regional show. They can be former #1 vehicles that have been driven or have aged. Seasoned observers will have to look closely for flaws, but will be able to find some not seen by the general public. The paint, chrome, glass and finishes will all appear as excellent. No excessive smoke will be seen on startup, no unusual noises will emanate from the engine. The vehicle will drive as a new vehicle of its era would. The one word description for #2 vehicles is "excellent."

#3 Good$9,400

#3 vehicles could possess some, but not all of the issues of a #4 vehicle, but they will be balanced by other factors such as a fresh paint job or a new, correct interior where applicable. #3 vehicles drive and run well, but might have some incorrect parts. These vehicles are not used for daily transportation but are ready for a long tour without excuses, and the casual passerby will not find any visual flaws. "Good" is the one word description of a #3 vehicle.

#4 Fair$4,300

#4 vehicles are daily drivers, with flaws visible to the naked eye. The chrome might have pitting or scratches, the windshield might be chipped. Paintwork is imperfect, and perhaps the body has a minor dent. Split seams or a cracked dash, where applicable, might be present. No major parts are missing, but the wheels could differ from the originals, or other non- stock additions might be present. A #4 vehicle can also be a deteriorated restoration. "Fair" is the one word that describes a #4 vehicle.